A bright and confident smile can have a significant impact on your self-esteem and overall appearance.
Over time, your natural denture can become discoloured due to several factors, such as ageing, lifestyle habits, and certain foods or beverages.
In such cases, teeth whitening treatment can be a saviour.
In this blog, we’ll explore who should consider teeth whitening services and shed light on this widely sought-after treatment.
What is teeth whitening treatment?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental intervention that aims to lighten the colour of the teeth and remove stains or discolouration. It involves the use of various whitening agents or techniques to achieve a brighter and more attractive smile.
What causes teeth discolouration?
Extrinsic Stains:
Extrinsic stains appear on the external layer of the tooth enamel. Your teeth will have yellowish or brownish stains on the surface.
This staining is typically caused by external factors such as coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and certain foods.
Intrinsic Stains:
Intrinsic stains occur within the internal layer of the tooth. This staining is often a result of ageing, genetics, excessive fluoride intake, or certain medications.
Intrinsic stains tend to be more challenging to treat with teeth whitening alone, and alternative cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers procedure may be considered.
Who can opt for teeth whitening services?
Teeth whitening can benefit various individuals who are dealing with tooth discolouration or stains. Some specific people who can benefit from teeth whitening include:
- Individuals with extrinsic and intrinsic stains
- Individuals with age-related discolouration
- Those seeking a confidence boost
- Individuals with special occasions or events
What are the phases of teeth whitening services?
Dental Examination:
Before starting the teeth whitening procedure, a dental professional will examine your teeth and gums to ensure they’re healthy and free of any underlying dental issues that need prior attention.
Choosing the Whitening Method:
There are different methods of teeth whitening available, and the choice of whitening method depends on several factors, such as the severity of tooth discolouration, patient preferences, and the dentist’s recommendation.
The two main types of teeth whitening methods are:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: Performed by a dental professional in a dental clinic. It involves the application of a high-concentration whitening gel or paste to the teeth and light activation. The procedure is usually completed within a single visit, and the results are immediately noticeable.
- At-Home Teeth Whitening: This method involves the use of custom-fitted trays or whitening strips provided by the dentist. The patient applies a lower-concentration whitening gel to the trays or strips and wears them for a specified period, usually a few hours a day or overnight, over a period of several weeks. The gradual whitening process occurs at home under the dentist’s guidance.
Protecting the Gums and Lips:
Before applying the whitening agent, the dental professional will protect your gums and lips by applying a barrier or using a protective gel. This prevents the whitening agent from irritating or causing sensitivity to the soft tissues in your mouth.
Applying the Whitening Agent:
The whitening agent usually contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which helps break down stains and lighten the tooth colour.
Activation (In-Office Whitening):
For in-clinic teeth whitening, a specialised light or laser may be used for activating the whitening agent.
The light helps enhance the effectiveness of the whitening gel, allowing it to penetrate the tooth enamel and remove stains more efficiently.
Waiting Period:
After the whitening agent is applied, you will need to wait for a specified period, typically 15-30 minutes.
In the waiting phase, the whitening agent works on breaking down the stains and brightening the teeth.
For at-home whitening, the waiting period is determined by the dentist and may vary depending on the desired results.
Rinse and Evaluation:
Once the waiting period is over, the dental professional will rinse off the whitening agent and evaluate the results.
You will observe a considerable difference in the shade of your teeth immediately after the teeth whitening treatment.
The dentist may compare the before and after shades and discuss the achieved level of whitening with you.
Follow-Up and Maintenance:
After the completion of the teeth whitening procedure, your dentist will provide instructions on post-treatment care and maintenance.
What are the Alternatives to Teeth Whitening?
In certain cases, whitening may not be the best option or may not provide the desired results. Your dentist may suggest alternative cosmetic dental procedures, such as:
Dental Veneers:
Dental veneers are thin shells engineered with porcelain or composite resin that’s bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Veneers can effectively cover intrinsic stains, cracks, chips, and other imperfections, providing a long-lasting white and uniform appearance.
Dental Bonding:
Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to the tooth surface and then shaping and polishing it to improve its appearance. It can be used to cover stains, close gaps, and repair minor chips or cracks.
Dental Crowns:
If your teeth are excessively stained or damaged, dental crowns may be recommended. Crowns are custom-made caps that cover the visible portion of your tooth entirely, restoring its natural shape, size, strength, and colour.
How to maintain Whitened Teeth?
After undergoing a teeth whitening procedure, it’s important to maintain your newly brightened smile. Here’re some tips for keeping your teeth white:
- Practise Good Oral Hygiene: Ensure to brush your teeth regularly, at least twice daily, with a whitening toothpaste and floss daily.
- Limit Stain-Causing Foods and Beverages: Reduce your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and other food or beverages that can stain your natural denture. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterwards or properly brush your teeth if possible.
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco products, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco, can cause severe tooth discolouration. Quitting smoking can not only improve your oral health but also prevent further staining of your teeth.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening can be an amazing option for individuals with yellow or stained teeth looking to enhance their smile and boost their self-confidence.
Before undergoing teeth whitening, it is advisable to consult with a dental professional. A dentist will evaluate your oral health, determine tooth discolouration causes, and recommend the most appropriate teeth whitening services or alternative treatment for you.
Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding stain-causing habits can help prolong the results of teeth whitening. Keep your smile radiant for many years to come.
James Martin is a passionate writer and the founder of OnTimeMagazines & EastLifePro. He loves to write principally about technology trends. He loves to share his opinion on what’s happening in tech around the world.
